Fabio Capello denies 'spy' claims

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) – Fabio Capello has hit back at suggestions that he has been helping Italy prepare for their Euro 2012 quarter-final showdown with England.

The former Three Lions coach, who stepped down earlier this year after the Football Association stripped John Terry of the captaincy, guided England to the 2012 World Cup and through qualification for the summer tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

With Roy Hodgson's side preparing to face Capello's fellow countrymen in the last eight on Sunday evening, there had been suggestions that the Italian would pass on his inside knowledge to Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli.

But that claim has brought a strong denial and the threat of legal action from both the veteran manager and his son, Pierfilippo Capello.

According to the Daily Mail, the ex-England boss said: "Who is writing this? I will sue them."

And his son Pierfilippo, who also acts as Capello's agent added: "Fabio went crazy when I spoke to him about this.

"We will start legal action against anyone who has suggested he has been helping Italy's coach in any way. They haven't even spoken for a year.

"It is an insult to Fabio to suggest he would reveal anything after four years working for the FA.

"He still has many close relationships with people at the FA. He wouldn't do it, he values what he had with the England players too much.

"Fabio doesn't know the Italy players any better than Roy Hodgson does. He hasn't been helping either camp, though he very much wants to watch the game.

"I genuinely think his loyalties are divided. He is a proud Italian and played for his country, yet he wouldn't be able to support Italy against England without having some trouble in his heart about it. I will support Italy but I think my father is 50-50."